For some reason, these kinds of threads usually turn into an argument over the value of insurance. That aside, does anybody have any comments about the overall durability and feel of this generation of run flats versus the past?

I test drove an F30 and didn't think the runflats were that much better. They felt hard over bumps. At one point, I took a regular corner at regular speed, and the traction control kicked in because the tires were bouncing around.

Seems like they are more trouble than they are worth. I would rather carry a spare than have to drive with a flat and then have to replace the $500 tire. When a regular tire could have been patched and saved a lot of money.

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It's not illegal. It's frowned upon, like masturbating on an airplane.

If you are comparing to the e90, the runflats on the f30 are much more forgiving. My f30 sport line drives smoother than my wifes non-sport e90.

I would still prefer non RFs but this generation is much better than previous RFs. I am picking my car up Monday so I will have more comments. But in numerous test drives and back to back comparos with my son's 325 sedan, no comparison. Not fair to compare ride to my 135--the short wheelbase of that car makes for a jiggly ride even on the non RF winter tires which are -1 downsized.

No, not at all. It comes down to the fact that BMW have been using them for several years now. This will of course continue. I have had one 'flat' in over 7 years of my E90 ownership. I haven't a problem with RFTs.

I would rather carry a spare than have to drive with a flat and then have to replace the $500 tire.[/quote]

That cost you posted is vague and arbitrary. It depends on tyre size. I just replaced 2 Pirelli P Zero tyres 225/17 for my E90 in the front due to wear and in preparation to selling my car when my F30 arrives.

They cost me $635.00 for both to change & balance them as well as a full 4 wheel alignment. Not too bad at all. This, in a country know for all things expensive, when it comes to BMWs & accessories.

Nope. Still last about 30k at best and you pay a lot more for them. Also, performance on traditional is much better. Best bet on a BMW is a great set of Michelins or continentals that are all-season, if you live in the northern part of the country. Michelin pilot sport plus A/S or conti DWS. Both z rated or better and both last at least 45 or more. Also, if you have an i, I would highly recommend getting the Michelin Alpine sport 3 for the winter. These will last 5 winters, if you drive them Nov 15 to March 15.

Seems like they are more trouble than they are worth. I would rather carry a spare than have to drive with a flat and then have to replace the $500 tire. When a regular tire could have been patched and saved a lot of money.

RFTs can be patched too. i got a nail in my rear a few weeks ago. still drove to work on it. didn't have to get out and change a tire. only cost me $40 to plug it. been fine ever since.

Has anybody checked out Tirerack lately? It seems the replacement prices for the 18" run flats (sport line tires) run about +/- $300 now and are not as high as the E90 RFTs of years past. I remember replacing my first damaged tire on my previous E90 was an exercise in patience (nobody had them at the time) and willingness to pay ($500ish for the single tire). I have no complaints about the Continental RFTs on my current F30 and will likely just replace them with the same when the time comes.

I have been using runflats tires since 08 and this is my 3rd set of runflats. This generation is much better than previous RFs, its softer, handles better and quieter, not sure about durability since this set only have 4000 miles on it. The thread material are the same for two identical runflat and non-runflat tires. I am in the opinion that any time you get more 35000 miles off the tires of a performance car, you are doing good.

Has anybody checked out Tirerack lately? It seems the replacement prices for the 18" run flats (sport line tires) run about +/- $300 now and are not as high as the E90 RFTs of years past. I remember replacing my first damaged tire on my previous E90 was an exercise in patience (nobody had them at the time) and willingness to pay ($500ish for the single tire). I have no complaints about the Continental RFTs on my current F30 and will likely just replace them with the same when the time comes.

Good point, I just checked Tire Rack and the all season 225/45/18 Continental's are $235 each and the Pirelli's are $169 each.....the high performance summer tires are $305 each.

This is my 3rd 3-series (two E90's and now the new F30). I think these new Conti's are quieter than the previous car's Potenza's. On the '09 I replaced 3 tires and 1 wheel with the BMW insurance. Well worth the price. When I picked up the new car earlier this month, I took the wheel & tire insurance too. But I do think these new Conti's are quieter than the last generation tires.

This is my 3rd 3-series (two E90's and now the new F30). I think these new Conti's are quieter than the previous car's Potenza's. On the '09 I replaced 3 tires and 1 wheel with the BMW insurance. Well worth the price. When I picked up the new car earlier this month, I took the wheel & tire insurance too. But I do think these new Conti's are quieter than the last generation tires.

I agree, the Conti's are a much better ride than the Potenza RFTs that I had on my E90. I opted for the 19" wheels so I've got the summer performance tire, we'll see how long they last. Even with the 19s, the car still rides better than the previous generation RFTs.

I can say that even with 20 in P Zero RFT (on 405M wheels), ride quality is more than acceptable for me (sporty feelin for sure, but really not that much different than my e46 325i, which surprised me) though noise is more than I expected for a BMW (and I understand that will only get worse). Durability may also be an issue as I already have noticed some damage from non aggressive driving during the breakin period.